Main Line (3.Nf3 Nf6)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4
White regains the pawn. Black develops with ...c5...a6...b5...Bb7, and fights for ...c5-c4 or ...d5 breaks. Solid and reliable.
For White· ECO D20–D29· intermediate
Angenommenes Damengambit
Den c4-Bauern schlagen und den weißfeldrigen Läufer befreien: aktive Verteidigung gegen 1.d4.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4
What is the Angenommenes Damengambit?
Das Angenommene Damengambit entsteht nach 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4. Anders als im QGD schlagen die Schwarzen den Bauern und geben das Zentrum vorübergehend auf, um den c8-Läufer frei nach f5 oder g4 zu entwickeln. Weiß holt sich den Bauern mit Lxc4 zurück (nach 3.Sf3 und 4.e3 oder 4.e4), und das Spiel erinnert an gespiegelte QGD-Strukturen. Eine zuverlässige Verteidigung, die Carlsen und Anand gespielt haben: dynamischer als das QGD, weniger theorielastig als die Slawische.
Main variations
Each variation below comes with a diagram and the main plan. Click "Train this opening" to drill every line with spaced repetition.
Central Variation (3.e4)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4
White claims the entire center. Sharp play after 3...Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 or 3...e5 (counter-attack). Requires preparation from both sides.
Alekhine Variation (3...a6)
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 a6
Black prepares ...b5 to hold the c4 pawn. A flexible but slower system. White plays 4.e3 and chases the c4 pawn.
How deep should you study this?
Below 1400
If you face 1.d4 d5 2.c4, just take with 2...dxc4, it's the simplest response. Develop your pieces naturally and don't try to hold the c4 pawn.
1400–1800
Study the ...c5 plan in the Main Line. Black's main break is ...c5-c4 at the right moment.
1800+
Learn the Central Variation (3.e4) defense carefully. Also add the Alekhine Variation with 3...a6 to your repertoire for variety.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Queen's Gambit a real sacrifice?
No, White always recovers the c4 pawn with 3.e3 and 4.Bxc4 (or 3.Nf3 and later e3). Attempts to hold the pawn with ...b5 leave Black with structural weaknesses on the queenside.
Should Black accept or decline the Queen's Gambit?
Both are fully playable. QGA (accepting) is faster, Black gets piece activity and avoids the French Bishop problem. QGD (declining with 2...e6) is solid but slower. Choose QGA for active play, QGD for rock-solid structure.
What is the best QGA variation?
The Main Line with 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 is the most reliable. Black plays for ...a6...b5...Bb7 and fights for a ...c5-c4 break.
How does the QGA compare to the Slav Defense?
Both avoid the French-style blocked bishop. The Slav (2...c6) keeps the d5 pawn solid but limits Black's central flexibility. The QGA gives up the center temporarily but gets faster development. Most modern masters prefer the QGA or Slav over the QGD for dynamic play.
Is the Queen's Gambit played at the top level?
Constantly. From Capablanca to Kramnik, Anand, Carlsen, and Caruana, the Queen's Gambit (in all forms) remains the main 1.d4 battleground at every World Championship match.
Related openings
For Black
Abgelehntes Damengambit
Die soliteste und am häufigsten gespielte Verteidigung gegen 1.d4, klassische Strategie in ihrer besten Form.
For White
Londoner System
Ein universelles Schema gegen alle schwarzen Verteidigungen: wenig Theorie, wiederverwendbare Pläne, moderne Waffe Carlsens.
For Black
Nimzoindische Verteidigung
Die Elite-Verteidigung gegen 1.d4: Fesselung des c3-Springers für sofortige strukturelle Ungleichgewichte.
Deep dive
Read our full Angenommenes Damengambit guide →
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